DIY – Install Closet Shelves

May 5, 2018 Comments Off on DIY – Install Closet Shelves

Increasing Closet Storage Capacity

In most closets, the closet space is usually limited to just a single shelf and a hanging rod below it. When you remove the hanging rod and fill the space with more shelves, there’ll be a surprising increase in the storage space available in your closet.

Measure Closet

To begin the installation, remove the existing hanging rod and single shelf, and then measure up the closet so as to know the length and width the new shelves will need.

Rip the Shelving

You can make your closet shelves from plywood, solid wood or a composite material like medium density fiberboard. Although, solid wood doesn’t sag too much and it’s stronger, but you’ll spend less for composite material and plywood. With the aid of a rip fence and circular saw, the composite material used for these shelves can be ripped to 12 in. wide.

Cut Shelves to Length

After ripping the shelves to width, you’ll have to mark it to length; then, using your framing square, draw a straight line across it. Crosscut shelves to appropriate length using a circular saw.

Cut Cleats to Length

Wooden cleats are used to hold up the shelves along the sides and back. Ensure the lengths of the side cleats are lengthy enough to be attached to a stud at all ends.

Prime and Paint Shelving and Cleats

Before installing your shelves and cleats, prime and paint them outside using a paint roller. Aside from the fact that this saves time, it also prevents the whole place from getting messy and also reduces the volatile organic compounds in your room. Allow the shelves and cleats to dry outside so as to reduce the off-gassing in your home.

Measure Height of Cleats

Measure from the ground and mark the height you want for each cleat.

Attach Cleats

The cleats can be nailed or screwed to the studs.

Install Shelves

Align the shelves and place them above the cleats properly.

Quick tip: in order to prevent the shelves from sagging, we recommend adding additional support. You can glue and nail a 1 x 2 to the front of each shelf or fix a metal bracket under the shelves.